WARNING: Tidal waves are being reported in the Pacific area, which means that tsunamis are on the making, and can threaten Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Hawaii, Easter Island, and other islands in the Pacific. Some waves would have already reached up to 2.4 meters above normal sea level off Chilean coasts.

A tsunami warning was issued. The quake struck 197 miles (317 kilometers) southwest of Santiago, and at a depth of 36.9 miles (59.4 kilometers) at 3:34 a.m. (0634 GMT; 1:34 a.m. EST). Shaken and collapsed buildings have been reported in the capital, Santiago. Communications are down. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for Chile and Peru, and a less-urgent tsunami watch for Ecuador.